The Weekly Journey🧡
How I learned to set boundaries and build community
Hey, my journey companions!
📍 This week, I'm writing to you from Petah Tikva, Israel! It feels strange to add "Israel" to my location when this is home, but after three years of nomadism, even visiting home feels like a new destination on the journey.
Something exciting happened this week - right after I announced my visit, several people from my Facebook community reached out asking to meet up.
It's flattering but also a bit nerve-wracking - what would a meeting like that even look like?
I decided to host a group meetup instead of one-on-one meetings, so I could provide value to my readers while building the community I've always envisioned.
📆 This Week on the Journey
This week started with a look back at moments I never planned but that led me to surprising places. As part of The Journey Through Time, I took you to Townsville - the city that wasn't in the plan but became the place that taught me about adaptation and flexibility.
I continued with a story about the time when the war back home affected my writing, and how a random encounter with a Swiss digital nomad in Vietnam became the best therapy I received. About the healing power of being truly understood and human connection that sometimes comes from the most unexpected places.
As part of The Journey Beyond Borders, this week I explored the connection between minimalism and freedom through two moments in Melbourne. I discovered that minimalism is much more than an organized closet - it's about how I choose to live and the inner freedom that comes when you stop accumulating and start choosing.
I continued with a deep conversation I had with the same experienced Swiss nomad, searching for new meaning after a decade of wandering. I introduced you to the Japanese concept of IKIGAI and explained why the question "When did you last try something new?" can change everything.
This week, The Secret Journey members received a special update about my routine in Israel, and how big plans start with small steps, along with all behind-the-scenes segments, in a separate email.
I ended the week with a story about a chance conversation that brought back the spark I thought I'd lost in my travels. About first-time excitement, about writing as a way to understand the world, and what it means to be Israeli in the world.
🎬 Behind the Scenes
Learning boundaries at home
It feels different coming to Israel for an extended visit this time. Now that I work with a clear system and efficient workflow for the blog, everything feels easier and more streamlined. I feel confident spending hours with family and saving the writing for early morning hours when everyone's still asleep.
I suddenly understand why successful people always advise waking up early and investing time in yourself. After the world wakes up, there are so many other things we want or need to do, and so many other people to deal with throughout the day, that we run out of time for ourselves.
I'm used to investing in myself all the time, and I was scared to go back to living with family for a month and a half. Last time I was here, I couldn't write anything, received criticism that blocked me, and felt like we were constantly rushing to fit everything in before I left again.
This time it's different. I've learned to set boundaries with the people I love most, and with myself too. It's okay not to fit everything in, it's okay if this won't be the fulfillment of every dream. I remind myself what's really important - time with my family.
Sitting down to talk with them, hearing them, really listening to them, helping them, advising them, spending time with them. What's really important to me is creating new memories, seeing that I'm applying what my journey has taught me, and continuing to discover myself just like anywhere else.
👀 What's coming up next week?
I'll return to the grief vacation in Byron Bay and share the conversation with a Vietnamese guide about what it means to be Israeli in the world. I'll explore the modern nomad's paradox and launch the complete Vietnam chapter.
The Secret Journey members will receive behind-the-scenes segments and the chance to influence what comes next! We'll end the week in a Bangkok lounge, on the way from Vietnam to Germany.
See you on the next journey,
Maya 🧡
Your support helps me to continue experiencing new worlds and sharing them with you through my words. Sometimes, a single cup of coffee can make a difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
For some reason I’m not getting g these in my email anymore. I came to check if you were ok. ✅